Interview Technique

The Interview: Chance to impress – Make it count!

Take a few minutes to read and digest this information. Statistically around 60% of all candidates are not sufficiently prepared prior to an interview. Proper preparation maximises your chances of success.

It’s important to have quality two-way communication, creating a rapport between yourself and the interviewer. Rather than just banter of questions and answers, look to establish a dialogue.

RESEARCH AND PREPARATION: Being well informed and ready to go conveys your enthusiasm and commitment.

Find our about the companies products/services, target market, routes to market, competitors, turnover, share performance, organisational structure and history. Use whatever facilities are available to aid your research – personal contacts, networking, literature, websites, companies house, trade organisations and of course your JAB consultant. Know the background of the interviewer as well as the position to be filled.

Be aware of the synergies between what the prospective employer could be looking for and what you have to offer.

MAKE THE RIGHT IMPRESSION: Consider the following.

First impressions set the tone for the interview. Dress formally; look as if you mean business, firm handshake and good eye contact. Smile, be relaxed but stay alert. Be personable, never familiar. Display drive, energy, ambition, answer succinctly, listen carefully. Take a briefcase or similar and take relevant notes. Be totally professional throughout and sell yourself, but don’t boast.

QUESTIONS: You should be as inquisitive as the interviewer; after all it is in both sides interest that you ensure that you are suited for each other. Have a prepared list of questions you want to ask, focus on strategic issues, and establish the SWOT for the company and function/responsibilities of the role.

Some questions that may be put to you:

Talk me through your CV?

What is your current role all about?

What do you like/dislike about your job?

What key successes have you achieved and how?

Why do you want to leave?

What interests you about this job?

What do you know about us?

What qualities can you 'bring to the table'?

What motivates you?

How important is money to you?

How would you describe yourself?

How would your colleagues describe you?

Which management style gets the best out of you?

Where would you like to be in five years?

If you could start your career all over again, would you choose differently and why?

CLOSE ON A POSITIVE NOTE: Ask what happens next. Let the interviewer know you are keen e.g., “Where do we go from here?” However you close the interview, whatever you personal style – you must do so. Know whether you are going to be taken to the next stage. If the client cannot agree to the next interview, they must have reservations or concerns – professionally find out what they are and address them, this will be your only shot at doing so.